Protesters in England arrested at a farm growing genetically modified corn.
July 31, 1999
Crop Protesters Arrested in England
Filed at 8:03 p.m. EDT
By The Associated Press
LINCOLN, England (AP) -- Police arrested environmental protesters
Saturday on suspicion of damaging crops at a farm growing genetically
modified corn.
Police said there were no injuries and described the protest as ''essentially
peaceful,'' apart from the crop damage at a farm in Glentham, Lincolnshire,
125 miles north of London.
A police spokesman said up to 34 protesters were arrested.
Genetically modified crops are plants whose genes are manipulated in order
to produce characteristics such as resistance to pests.
Genetically modified foods, hotly debated in Britain, have found mixed
support among the public. Some polls show strong disapproval for any
product, while others recommend more research.
On Monday, police arrested 30 protesters, including Greenpeace's executive
director, Lord Melchett, over damage to a field of genetically modified corn
at Lyng, near Norwich in eastern England. The corn, planted in May with
government support, was due to flower next week.
The United States has already approved 50 varieties of genetically modified
crops.
Britain, which has yet to approve one, is overseeing a test growing of crops
in 100 small-scale and five full-scale fields across the country to gather
information about their safety.
Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company |
